Urban Walk: A stroll through Stratford-Upon-Avon

AFTER a very busy Artsfest weekend in Birmingham, I indulged my Monday off with a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, travelling by train.

AFTER a very busy Artsfest weekend in Birmingham, I indulged my Monday off with a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, travelling by train.

Whilst there I decided to roam the streets to develop a short route.

This would take in some of the charms of this historical town so close to our big city. First, a stop at the Black Swan for a drink and some lunch. It was my day off after all! A bracing walk on a windy day then restored some peace and serenity into my week after such a hectic few days.

Start: The Black Swan Pub, Waterside, Stratford upon Avon CV37 6BA.

Duration: 45-60 mins.

1. Turn right, cross and enter river bank garden.

2. Turn right, passing the Courtyard Theatre.

3. Continue along, ascend wooden steps, through the doorway in the wall into the churchyard of the Holy Trinity, final resting place of William Shakespeare.

4. Walk around and exit via front gates, then go along and turn right to enter riverside via large wooden gates.

5. Passing toilets, continue past the Brass Rubbing Centre again and exit at the Courtyard Theatre, turning right to continue past the Black Swan again.

6. Continue and take time to look around the RSC on your right and admire both the old and modern buildings.

7. Continue to the ‘harbour’ area, passing shops and restaurants.

8. Turn right to enter a square with two metal swans.

9. Cross the River Avon via a network of old and new bridges and follow this around to the right and then left past the bandstand and to the ferry crossing area.

10. Either cross here by paying for a 50p ferryboat ride across (if open) to the start, or retrace steps back to the start.

* Mohini Howard is the Birmingham Coordinator for the Ramblers’ Get Walking Keep Walking project, funded by BIG Lottery Fund. Details at www.getwalking.org.uk